HSUS and Emancipet provide free services to animals affected by Hurricane Harvey

Generous funding from the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Trust has enabled the Humane Society of the United States to collaborate with Emancipet, a nonprofit veterinary clinic operating in Houston's East End, to offer free veterinary services to owned animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Through December 9, fees for veterinary services at Emancipet Houston will be waived for all pet owners.

In the program's first month, 1,705 pets received examinations and more than 1,500 owners scheduled spay and neuter procedures. On the clinic's busiest day, veterinarians saw 173 pets. The HSUS is sending staff, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians on a rotation schedule to work on-site with the Emancipet team.

According to Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the HSUS, "Harvey dealt an especially harsh blow to families at or below the poverty line, compounding the challenge of meeting life's necessities, including the needs of their beloved pets. We know how much pets mean to their families, and our goal is to keep all members of the family intact."

The waived veterinary fees include services that Emancipet has always provided, like exams, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping and heartworm treatment. During this time of extraordinary need, however, Emancipet will also treat respiratory, skin and ear infections, as well as wounds and lacerations. Veterinarians will also perform some medically necessary surgical procedures.

To ensure that the donated funds stretch as far as possible, and to fulfill the goal of keeping pets with their families, this offer is for owned pets only. Spay/neuter and heartworm treatment require an appointment, and all other services are available on a walk-in basis. Clients will not be asked for any proof of financial need in accessing the services.

Emancipet's mission is to make veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners. For more information, go to https://emancipet.org/houston/.

The Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Trust is a private foundation charged with the task of carrying on the Lewyts' pioneering vision of improving the lives of companion animals, reducing animal cruelty and euthanasia rates, and supporting programs for the general betterment of all animals.

Image credit: Emancipet Houston